Posted: 06/07/12
College cash boost to promote equality
West Nottinghamshire College has received a bumper cash boost after scooping a prestigious further education ‘Oscar’.
In November the college was named winner of the ‘City and Guilds Award for Staff Development’ at the Association of Colleges’ (AoC) Annual Conference in recognition of the innovative ways it has engaged staff in its equality and diversity scheme.
On Friday (29 June) staff received a £5,000 cheque from Tony Forster, lead portfolio manager at City and Guilds, at a presentation ceremony staged by the college.
The cash will go towards future projects promoting equality and diversity.
Also attending the presentation event was Paul Eeles, regional director for AoC East Midlands, Jagdish Shemare, intelligence and engagement regional policy advisor for the Midlands Equality and Human Rights Commission, Dr Christine Rose, equality and diversity consultant.
They heard how the college has a culture of going beyond the basic legal requirements of equality and diversity and had worked hard to embed it throughout the organisation.
Staff are given access to a toolkit of resources containing hints, tips and good practice which they pass on to students, and are supported to take responsibility for their own development through interactive workshops, debates and work shadowing.
Students also participate in the equality and diversity programme, with 97% agreeing that their understanding and awareness of these areas had improved thanks to the college’s efforts.
Principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE said: “We’re proud to be recognised as a leading college for equality and diversity and have worked hard to make it a topic that is fully embraced by staff and students.
“This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our success and we shall continue to develop innovative ways to help students respect and value difference and diversity, which is part of being a good citizen.”
The AoC Beacon Awards are awarded each year to UK colleges who capture and celebrate the positive impact they have on their students, staff and communities.
